Toys & Gifts for Survivors Escaping Domestic Violence

Help Control Alt Delete bring holiday joy to Survivors and their children as they escape domestic violence.

The holidays should be filled with joy, comfort, and happy memories. But for Survivors escaping domestic violence, the holiday season can bring uncertainty, fear, and difficult decisions. Many Survivors leave their homes with little more than the clothes they are wearing, often leaving behind their children’s toys, gifts, and treasured belongings.

Control Alt Delete wants to help make the holidays a little brighter.

We are collecting new, unwrapped toys, games, and gifts for children and teens whose families are escaping domestic violence during the holiday season. These thoughtful donations will help remind children that they are loved, that they haven’t been forgotten, and that new, happy memories are still possible.

🎁 Small Gifts Can Make a Big Difference

Because many Survivors are traveling to reach safety, we especially need small, lightweight, portable gifts that can easily fit into a backpack, tote bag, or suitcase. Some families may be traveling by bus, moving out of state, or leaving with very limited space for belongings.

When choosing a gift, think about something a child can carry with them as they begin a new chapter.

Suggested Gift Donations

Babies & Toddlers

• Board books and interactive books
• Soft stuffed animals
• Small sensory toys
• Stacking cups and building toys
• Chunky puzzles
• Small toy vehicles
• Travel-friendly activity toys

Preschoolers (Ages 3–5)

• Small LEGO DUPLO sets
• Play-Doh and modeling clay kits
• Coloring books and washable crayons
• Mini building block sets
• Small dolls and action figures
• Sticker books
• Magnetic drawing boards
• Simple puzzles and matching games

Elementary-Age Children (Ages 6–10)

• LEGO kits and small building sets
• Barbie dolls and accessories
• Hot Wheels cars and small vehicle sets
• Craft kits, friendship bracelet kits, and jewelry-making sets
• Art supplies and sketchbooks
• Compact board games and card games
• Pokémon cards and other age-appropriate collectible cards
• Science and STEM activity kits
• Journals, fun pens, and activity books
• Small sports balls and outdoor games

Tweens (Ages 11–13)

• Advanced LEGO kits and mini building sets
• DIY craft and bracelet-making kits
• Drawing and painting supplies
• Journals, sketchbooks, and quality pens
• Portable card games and strategy games
• Puzzles and brain-teaser games
• Small science and experiment kits
• Books, graphic novels, and age-appropriate book series
• Small accessories, cozy socks, and beanies

Teens (Ages 14–18)

• Art, lettering, and journaling kits
• Crochet, embroidery, and other beginner craft kits
• Compact card games and party games
• Portable strategy games
• Books, graphic novels, and journals
• Earbuds and small tech accessories
• Travel-size self-care gift sets
• Cozy blankets, socks, and beanies
• Small backpacks, crossbody bags, and water bottles
• Gift cards for books, crafts, or popular retailers

Family-Friendly Gifts

• UNO and other compact card games
• Travel-size board games
• Cooperative games and puzzles
• Family activity books
• Small craft kits that siblings can enjoy together

A Few Helpful Donation Guidelines

• Please donate new, unwrapped items.
• Choose gifts that are lightweight, compact, and easy to transport.
• Consider gifts that don’t require batteries, complicated setup, or large amounts of space.
• Whenever possible, include options for different ages, interests, and abilities.
• Gift cards are welcome and can give older children and teens the freedom to choose something special.
• Please avoid oversized toys, large playsets, and bulky items that may be difficult for a family to take while traveling to safety.

Why These Gifts Matter

For a child leaving an abusive home, a small gift can mean so much more than a toy. It can provide comfort during a frightening transition, offer a welcome distraction, and create a moment of happiness during an otherwise overwhelming time.

At Control Alt Delete, our mission is to remove the barriers that keep people trapped in domestic violence by providing one-time assistance to help them escape. We focus on immediate, practical help for Survivors experiencing active domestic violence.

This holiday season, you can help us provide more than a gift. You can help a child experience a little normalcy, a moment of joy, and the beginning of new holiday memories.

Help us fill the holidays with hope, one small gift at a time.

How to Help

Donate new, unwrapped toys and gifts to support Survivors and their children escaping domestic violence this holiday season.

Every gift matters. Every child deserves to feel remembered. And every Survivor deserves the opportunity to begin again safely.

Donations can be dropped off on the Control Alt Delete courtyard anytime: 3061 E Mallory St, Mesa AZ 85213